Elle Fanning: From 'The Great' Princess to OnlyFans Star in Her New Series 'Margo's Got Money Troubles'

If there's one actress who knows how to keep herself on the radar, it's Elle Fanning. Dakota's younger sister has just stolen our hearts (and sparked more than a few nervous laughs) with her new project: "Margo's Got Money Troubles", a series that had its world premiere at SXSW 2026 and is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year. And for good reason: the story follows Margo, a single mum who, juggling nappies and debt, decides to open an OnlyFans account to make ends meet. But what really has us gobsmacked is how Elle prepared for the role.

From the Red Carpet to the Digital Trenches

When an actress says she "immerses" herself in a character, she usually means reading books or watching documentaries. Elle Fanning took it literally and, to understand her Margo, she created a real account on OnlyFans. Yes, you read that right. For a few weeks, the actress explored the platform to grasp the essence of what it means to expose yourself and seek income in the digital economy. Of course, she didn't share any explicit content, but the anecdote alone is worthy of a rock star. In interviews after the Austin premiere, Elle confessed, laughing, that it was "a revealing and slightly terrifying experience." That's how you build a character, folks.

Margo, a Heroine for Our Times

Based on the novel by Rufi Thorpe, the series introduces us to a young woman who, besides dealing with unplanned motherhood, has to face an absent father with a wrestling past (played by Nick Offerman) and a rather unconventional mother (Michelle Pfeiffer, no less). The drama has touches of black comedy and a pace that grabs you from the first episode. But what we love most is seeing Fanning in a down-to-earth role, far from the wigs and corsets of "The Great", where she played Catherine the Great. Speaking of that series…

From the Russian Court to American Precarity

Those of us who've followed Elle since her early days remember her incredible work in "The Great", where she proved she could shift from absurd comedy to drama with astonishing ease. Her Catherine was naive, ambitious, and adorable. Now, in Margo, we see the other end of the spectrum: an ordinary girl, with very real problems, who uses her wit and her body as a last resort. It's a twist that confirms Fanning isn't afraid to take risks.

A History of Unforgettable Characters

And since we're talking about taking risks, we can't forget her foray into psychological horror in "The Neon Demon". That Nicolas Winding Refn film, where Elle played a model consumed by the obsession with beauty, became a cult classic. In fact, if you look for the DVD of "The Neon Demon", you'll realise the film still has followers all over the world. Fanning already showed that ability to navigate between innocence and the sinister back then. And now, with Margo, she adds another layer of vulnerability and strength.

• OnlyFans as a Method Acting Tool: Elle ventured onto the platform to thoroughly research her character.
• SXSW Premiere: The series was one of the festival's highlights, with critics praising its script and performances.
• Multifaceted Talent: Besides acting, Elle Fanning has demonstrated skills in dance. Did you know she can teach you how to do a ballet turn? That's right, a video is circulating where Elle Fanning teaches you how to do a ballet turn, showcasing her training from a young age.

More Than a Pretty Face: The Art of Transformation

One of the most viral moments of this promo has undoubtedly been the video where Elle Fanning teaches you how to do a ballet turn. Yes, the actress studied ballet for years, and it shows in her poise and discipline. But beyond the technique, what comes across is that passion for the craft. She's not just a celebrity walking the red carpet; she's an artist who gets under the skin of her characters right down to the last detail.

The question many of us are asking now is: can Margo win over Irish audiences when the series drops on Apple TV+? If Fanning's level of commitment is anything to go by, it's clear: the wait will be worth it. In the meantime, we can revisit her previous roles, practise our ballet turns (with her tutorial), and dream that someday she'll pop over here to tell us more stories about her venture into the digital world. Brava, Elle!